Making a Safety Plan

Safety Planning for Abused Women

Though you do not have control over your partner’s violence, you do have a choice about how to get yourself and your children to safety. Leaving must be done with a careful plan. Abusers often become more violent when they believe their partner is leaving the relationship.

Safety During a Violent Incident

Practice getting out safely. What doors, windows, elevators, stairwells, or fire escapes would you use?

Keep your purse and car key where you can get to them in order to leave quickly.

Tell neighbors about the violence and ask that they call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from your home.

Teach your children to use the phone to contact the police and fire department.

When you anticipate an argument, avoid the bathroom, garage, kitchen and other areas near weapons or rooms without access to an outside door.

Safety when preparing to leave:

Keep copies of important documents, keys, extra clothes and money with a friend or family member.

Keep our crisis line number – 314.531.2003 – with you or memorize it.

Check with friends or family members to see who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you money.

Rehearse your escape plan and, if appropriate, practice it with your children

Items to Take When Leaving

Identification for yourself

Your birth certificate

School and vaccination records

Credit cards

Medications

Insurance papers

Keys – house, car, office

Work permits/green card

Children’s birth certificates

Social Security cards

ATM card, checkbook

Bank books

Children’s favorite toy/blanket

Lease/house deed

Welfare identification

To receive a copy of the entire Safety Planning Guide, call AWARE at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at 314.362.9273.